Family of diver, Firefighter Juan Bucio: 'Words alone cannot express the gratitude ... for all the love'

Family, friends and co-workers of Juan Bucio, 46, a Chicago Fire Department diver who died in the line of duty, gathered for his funeral on June 4, 2018, at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Chicago.

(Chicago Tribune)

Ese OIumhenseChicago Tribune

The family of Chicago Fire Department veteran Juan Bucio on Tuesday thanked the “many dignitaries and everyday citizens” who paid their respects to the fallen firefighter following his May 28 death.

“Words alone cannot express the gratitude we feel for all the love, support and prayers for our family,” wrote Issac and Maria Bucio, siblings of Juan Bucio, in a letter shared by the Fire Department with the news media. “Please know that we appreciated everyone who lined the procession route, we saw countless people of all ages, fiercely saluting our brother as Engine 13 made its way to his final resting place.”

Bucio, 46, was a 15-year veteran of the Fire Department and had been part of its Air Sea Rescue Unit for more than a decade. A father of two sons, he died after jumping into the South Branch of the Chicago River near Ashland Avenue to try to save a man who had fallen from a boat on Memorial Day. Bucio was pulled from the water after he was separated from his partner and later pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.

Bucio’s siblings, also public servants, said they wished their Tuesday letter was one they didn’t have to write, but that they recognized the risks associated with serving the city, as their brother had.

“We firmly believe that it is an honor to serve the City of Chicago and we will continue to do so, our brother would not have it any other way,” the family wrote.

“Our brother gave his life doing what he loved, as a member of the CFD Air Sea Rescue Unit,” they added. “No words can express how proud we are of our brother Juan. The last text message that he sent us was a reminder as it read; ‘You have to do what makes you happy,’ my brother did, he did what made him happy.”